Electrical

Everyone thinks of the local sparky when they think about the electrical trade, but take a closer look at any industry and you’ll find an electrical trade specialist channelling power in ways that might surprise you.

Trade Specialisation

Metal and Engineering

A career pathway in the metal and engineering trade offers a wide range of specialisation opportunities that are hands-on, hardy and often a bit greasy. Above all this trade requires determination and grit to deliver highly accurate work in varied and often extreme working environments.

Trade Specialisation

Automotive and Mechanical

The automotive and mechanical trade is for rev-heads and engine fanatics of all makes and models. You can specialise in engine types and sizes, depending on your host employer. A career in the trade requires passion and respect for the vehicles and engines you will be entrusted to maintain and develop day in/ day out.

Multidisciplinary Traineeships

Construction

Whether you want to build towers and tunnels or tables and cabinets there is a specialisation for you. There are even ‘finishing’ trades for the painters and plasters. The construction trade is founded on craftsmanship, so attention to detail and precision are must have traits for success.

SKILLS BASED COURSES

Are you a current or future apprentice looking to develop skills that can help you become more employable? MiTraining offers accredited short courses, self-paced courses for a quick “skills-shot” and nationally recognised qualifications in topics related to business and management.

ABOUT MITRAINING

MiTraining (Provider ID 45183) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and a sister company to MIGAS Apprentices and Trainees. MiTraining is a leading Australian provider of business, management and leadership skills training.

How to Write a Cover Letter

Cover letters have become the norm in applying for all types of positions, including Australian Apprenticeships. In fact, many employers won’t give an application a second glance without one.

But what do you include, if you’re straight out of school or have no experience in the position you’re applying for?

Whether you’re applying for your first job or your tenth, a cover letter is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the employer before you’ve even met them. Additionally, they’re important in providing essential information to employers who might need clarification on some details in your resume. Use it as a way to explain gaps in your employment, multiple employers in short periods of times, or why you’re applying for jobs outside of where you live – let them know you’re aware you have to move and have the means to do so.

So how do you write a cover letter?

QUICK TIPS

Keep to one page

Be specific – mention the job you’re applying for and the employer by name if possible

Never use the same cover letter for different applications (tailor it!)

Encourage the reader to read your resume

Thank them for their time and encourage them to get in contact with you!

Need more? Ok then!

SLOW TIPS

Introduce yourself, and include the essential contact details as a minimum – your best contact number (preferably a mobile phone) and a professional email address (not “surferdude@awesomesauce.com”) will make the best impression.

Start off the body of your letter by stating your purpose, whether it is to apply for a specific advertised position or a general expression of interest in working for the company.

Either way, make sure you do your research. If you’re applying for a specific position, carefully read the position description (if there is one), and relate your skills and experiences back to it. For example, does the position require you to work with tools? Talk about what tools you used to make the table you built in the backyard, or used in manual arts at school. The ad might mention that you’ll need to follow instructions or work well as a team – skills you’ve definitely picked up during group activities at school or working weekends at Maccas.

If you know who the employer is, it could be worth your time researching the organisation as well to see the kind of work they do (and to make sure you’d be proud to work there!) Browse their website, especially the About Us sections and tell them why you’d make a good fit in the organisation - you might even find a staff profile on the person you’re writing to.

If you’re applying in general or there isn’t a position description, look up what the type of job you’re applying for entails (this is where our Apprenticeships pages can help you!) You’ll then be able to go through the same process of applying your skills and experience to the tasks and duties you would expect to complete in the day to day.

Round it out by encouraging them to read your resume and ask them to get in contact with you for more details.

The Low Down.

Ultimately, your cover letter should show that you understand what the job involves and what the employer would expect of you. To do this, you should be as specific as you can (but brief) about your skills and qualities that match the job and the organisation’s needs. Don't be afraid to let parts of your personality shine through, and be sure to clarify any details in your resume that might leave the recruiter confused!